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Deck Vs. Patio: Which is For You?

Date Published:

July 20th, 2017

When you are looking for a outdoor space that allows you to enjoy time in the sun while in the comfort of your own home, you need to consider what will be best for your needs. Two popular options for an outdoor space are patios and decks. However, many people don’t know the difference between these two, despite the fact they provide different advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your needs, one may be more appropriate than another. In this blog, we will go over the differences between them, as well as the pros and cons of both.

The Difference Between Decks and Patios

A deck is an open porch or platform that does not have a roof and extends from the house. In contrast, a patio is a paved area of ground that is either attached or detached from the home. A deck can be raised, whereas a patio is always on the ground.

Pros and Cons of Decks

Pros

Can Install on Any Terrain: It doesn’t matter whether your yard is even or not; decks can be installed on any terrain.

Provides a Better View: If you have a gorgeous mountain view, a deck is the way to go, since it can be built off the ground.

Customizable: Decks are completely customizable by color and style, allowing you to better match your home.

More Comfortable in Hot Weather: When the weather heats up, decks are more comfortable because wood absorbs and retains less heat than concrete.

Cons

More Maintenance: While it depends on the material used, in general, decks require more maintenance because they need to be washed and restained every few years.

More Susceptible to Damage: Because wood can rot and is more vulnerable in the face of weather, decks that are not properly treated face more damage.

More Expensive: Though prices varies according to what material you use, decks are generally considered more expensive.

Permits: You may require a permit in order to install a deck on your home, which will delay construction time and includes a fee.

Weight Restrictions: Depending on what you want on your deck, you will have to consider the weight when you design it. For example, if you want to install a hot tub, you will need to consider this in your deck design.

Pros and Cons of a Patio

Pros

Inexpensive: You can install a patio for less expense in general. If you opt for concrete, you can pay as little as $5 per square foot.

Easy to Maintain: Patios do not require much maintenance.

Longer Lifespan: Patios can last for more than 25 years without much maintenance.

Cons

Need Even Terrain: If your yard is at all uneven, it is not suitable for a patio.

Cracks: Patios tend to crack if the concrete was not properly prepared, especially in extreme weather conditions.

Slipping: There is a greater risk of slipping in icy weather when you have a patio.

Staining: Patios are notoriously difficult to clean; once a stain has set in, it’s nearly impossible to remove it.

More Construction: Patios need more construction work and generally take longer to install, especially if you need reinforcement.

If you decide to invest in a deck, it is essential that you have a properly functioning deck drain. This ensures that you don’t have to worry about water damage to your deck, as long as you are also properly maintaining it. Contact us today to learn more about our deck drainage systems in Aurora!